Why a Power of Attorney (POA) Is Required for CDC High-Risk Dog Imports

November 19, 2025

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Why a Power of Attorney (POA) Is Required for CDC High-Risk Dog Imports


When importing a dog from a CDC-designated high-risk rabies country, U.S. Customs and Border Protection requires that an authorized customs broker handle the official entry process. To legally allow a broker—such as A to Z Customs Brokerage—to act on your behalf, you must complete a Power of Attorney (POA).
This document gives your broker the authority to communicate with U.S. Customs, submit import documents, and ensure your dog is cleared safely and correctly into the country. Without a properly completed POA, CBP cannot release your pet, no matter how perfect the rest of your CDC paperwork is.
For pet parents, the POA may feel like “one more form,” but it plays a critical role in getting your dog through the border smoothly. The customs broker uses the POA to file entries, sign required declarations, and navigate the complex regulatory steps involved in bringing an animal from a high-risk country into the U.S.
The CDC’s rules are strict—especially since July 2024—and a POA ensures your broker can respond quickly if Customs or CDC officers need clarifications, additional documentation, or verification at the port of entry.
If you are a U.S. citizen , you must include your Social Security number at the top of the POA form ; this is a federal requirement that allows Customs to validate your identity and authorize the broker to act for you. Completing the POA fully and accurately protects you, your dog, and your broker—and speeds up the entire import process.
With this form in place, you’re one big step closer to getting your pup safely home.


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